Any source for John Deere MX6 cutter parts?

[chevyls6]

I have a 2006-ish MX6 bush hog, and I've managed to snap the pinion shaft that goes down from the gear box and bolts to the stump jumper (pan). I've had zero luck finding parts, and John Deere's only fix is to upgrade to a newer gear box ($665), which requires a newer pan (also $665). I simply use this thing to keep our 50 acres or so from getting out of hand, not to put food on the table, so I figured I could simply rebuild the thing and save some money...guess I was wrong.

So, is there another outlet for MX6 parts, whether they be new or used? I believe mine is the first design, as I wanna say it's a 210xxx serial number possibly...

 

[jenkinsph]

I have a 2006-ish MX6 bush hog, and I've managed to snap the pinion shaft that goes down from the gear box and bolts to the stump jumper (pan). I've had zero luck finding parts, and John Deere's only fix is to upgrade to a newer gear box ($665), which requires a newer pan (also $665). I simply use this thing to keep our 50 acres or so from getting out of hand, not to put food on the table, so I figured I could simply rebuild the thing and save some money...guess I was wrong.

So, is there another outlet for MX6 parts, whether they be new or used? I believe mine is the first design, as I wanna say it's a 210xxx serial number possibly...

I have heard of other people who have had problems with this shaft and had similar issues trying to get it repaired. If you have the two pieces of shaft removed from the mower you might take them by a good machine shop and see what they recommend Can't hurt to ask.

 

[sweettractors]

I have a 2006-ish MX6 bush hog, and I've managed to snap the pinion shaft that goes down from the gear box and bolts to the stump jumper (pan). I've had zero luck finding parts, and John Deere's only fix is to upgrade to a newer gear box ($665), which requires a newer pan (also $665). I simply use this thing to keep our 50 acres or so from getting out of hand, not to put food on the table, so I figured I could simply rebuild the thing and save some money...guess I was wrong.

So, is there another outlet for MX6 parts, whether they be new or used? I believe mine is the first design, as I wanna say it's a 210xxx serial number possibly...

If we had the brand of the gearbox, the country of origin, # teeth on pinion shaft, diameter of shaft and # splines on the shaft, diameter of the threads, we may be able to match up something? If you could email me a pic of the gearbox and the shaft removed from the box, that would help a lot. Ken Sweet

 

[bilrus61]

I think the trouble is with the gear boxes made in Spain. Its difficult to get folks to say where their gearbox is made even though its right on the side of the gearbox. I think everyone thinks "its a Deere made in Waterloo" but that isn't the case. The MX used to be made in Canada with a gearbox made in Spain. My MX 6 I got last fall is made in Mexico with a gearbox made in China. That won't phase the greenbloods of course but it sounds to me, if I have my gearboxes correct, that Deere could be looking at some kind of class action thing on early model MX gearboxes. It sounds like the output shaft is too hard and thus is brittle. I think the newer gearboxes from China are rated higher and Deere has tossed out a 5 year warrenty on them, I guess to try to counteract the negative publicity all these busted gearboxes are giving the MX series of mower. Mine has done ok but every time I hit anything bigger than a fescue seed stalk I cringe. Here is another thread with a busted output shaft. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/179313-new-mx-6-ground-2.html

 

[chevyls6]

I think the trouble is with the gear boxes made in Spain. Its difficult to get folks to say where their gearbox is made even though its right on the side of the gearbox. I think everyone thinks "its a Deere made in Waterloo" but that isn't the case. The MX used to be made in Canada with a gearbox made in Spain. My MX 6 I got last fall is made in Mexico with a gearbox made in China. That won't phase the greenbloods of course but it sounds to me, if I have my gearboxes correct, that Deere could be looking at some kind of class action thing on early model MX gearboxes. It sounds like the output shaft is too hard and thus is brittle. I think the newer gearboxes from China are rated higher and Deere has tossed out a 5 year warrenty on them, I guess to try to counteract the negative publicity all these busted gearboxes are giving the MX series of mower. Mine has done ok but every time I hit anything bigger than a fescue seed stalk I cringe. Here is another thread with a busted output shaft. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/179313-new-mx-6-ground-2.html

I will try and post some pictures/measurements later this morning, but it looks identical to the pictures in that thread, and broken in the exact same spot. The amazing part is that I broke it with a well used John Deere 1050...not quite the powerhouse you'd expect to break a huge shaft like this, especially considering we only used the cutter *at most* twice a year.

 

[chevyls6]

Ok, pictures of the carnage...I was in a hurry this morning and forgot to check the serial # & build location of the gear box, but I will post it later.

Total length is ~12" (hard to tell exactly because it's twisted at the break point), diameter of machined part of shaft is 1.950" (49.50mm) and smooth bearing surface is 1.966" (49.95mm)...13 tooth pinion, with a max diameter across the teeth of 8.594" (3.383mm)...15 splines, with a diameter of 1.956" (49.70mm). Pictures are attached.

 

[chevyls6]

Here are pictures of the serial# tag and the side of the gear box...

 

[Builder]

Not the news I wanted to read. I have the MX-8 with (2) Spanish gearboxes. I've hit some unreal sh*t with mine and nothing has broken (knocking on wood).
Couldn't be more pleased with the mower actually, but looking to trade up to 10-12' single batwing.

 

[zzvyb6]

Can't you just replace the shaft by itself? I see that the same pinion is used with 2 different bevel gears (13 and 15 tooth) for MX6 and MX7 mowers. Add a slip clutch to prevent the overload next time

 

[sweettractors]

Here are pictures of the serial# tag and the side of the gear box...

I have someone working on a shaft possibility. As soon as I hear something, I will contact you. Ken Sweet